Isolation of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Wood and Fabrication of Polylactic Acid(PLA)Based Green Biocomposites

An innovative microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)natural fibre powder-reinforced PLA biocomposite was investigated using the hand lay-up technique.The polymer matrix composite(PMC)samples were prepared by varying the weight percentages(wt.%)of both PLA matrix and MCC reinforcement:pure PLA/100:0,90:10,80:20,70:30,60:40 and 50:50 wt.%,respectively.From the results obtained,MCC powder,with its impressive aspect ratio,proved to be an ideal reinforcement for the PLA,exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties.It was evident that the 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample exhibited the maximum improvement in the tensile,flexural,notched impact,compressive strength and hardness by 28.85%,20.00%,91.66%,21.53%and 35.82%,respectively compared to the pure PLA sample.Similarly,during the thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),the same 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample showed a minimum weight loss of 20%at 400℃,among others.The morphological study using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FE-SEM)revealed that the uniform distribution of cellulose reinforcement in the PLA matrix actively improved the mechanical properties of the biocomposites,especially the optimal 80:20 wt.%sample.Importantly,it was evident that the optimal PLA/cellulose biocomposite sample could be a suitable and alternative sustainable,environmentally friendly and biodegradable material for semi/structural applications,replacing synthetic and traditional components.

A quick review of the applications of nano crystalline cellulose in wastewater treatment

Cellulose,as the most abundant natural biopolymers in the world,has attracted much attention in recent years,as concerns have been raised on environmental issues associated with the use of petroleum related products.Nano crystalline cellulose(NCC)is a special type of cellulose that is derived from renewable and sustainable resources such as cotton and wood.NCC has a large specific surface area with plentiful hydroxyl and anionic sulfate ester groups,which make NCC a perfect substrate for preparing composite absorbing and/catalytic materials for wastewater treatment.This paper reviews recent research on the applications of NCC in wastewater treatment.

TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF AIR SEPARATION OF LIQUID CRYSTALLINE TRIHEPTYL CELLULOSE/ETHYL CELLULOSE MEMBRANES

Triheptyl cellulose/ethyl cellulose(3/97)binary blend membranes were prepared from tetrahydrofuran,chloroform and dichloromethane solutions and their air separation capabit- ities were studied at different temperatures.With increasing temperature from 25 to 85℃,the flux QOEA of O_2-enriched air(OEA),O_2 permselectivity and the O_2 concentration Yo_2 in the OEA all increase.The membranes show a unique trend in their Yo_2～QOEA relationship,that is,the air separation capability increases simultaneously with the OEA permeation capability.The magnitudes of QOEA and Yo_2 for 17μm-thick membrane after the testg time of 36hours at 70℃ are 5×10^(-4)cm^3 (STP)/s·cm^2 and 37.6%,respectively.The air separation capability depends slightly on membrane forming solvents.

Physico-Chemical and Thermal Characterization of Some Lignocellulosic Fibres: <i>Ananas comosus</i>(AC), <i>Neuropeltis acuminatas</i>(NA) and <i>Rhecktophyllum camerunense</i>(RC)

This paper focuses on the study of the physical, biochemical, structural, and thermal properties of plant fibres of Rhecktophyllum camerunense (RC), Neuropeltis acuminatas (NA) and Ananas comosus (AC) from the equatorial region of Cameroon. The traditional use of these fibres inspired researchers to investigated their properties. This study aims at improving the state of knowledge with a view to diversifying applications. The fibres are extracted by retting. Then, their apparent density was measured following the ASTM D792 standard and their water moisture absorption and moisture content were also evaluated. Their molecular structure was studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. A quantitative analysis of the biochemical composition was performed according to the analytical technique for the pulp and paper industry (TAPPI). A TGA/DSC analysis was also performed. The results reveal that the AC, NA and RC fibres have densities of 1.26 ± 1.06, 0.846 ± 0.13 and 0.757 ± 0.08 g·cm-3 respectively. They are also hydrophilic with a water absorption rate of 188.64 ± 11.94%, 276.16% ± 8.07% and 198.17% ± 20%. They have a moisture content of 12.21%, 10.36% and 9.37%. The studied fibres exhibit functional groups that are related to the presence of hemicellulose, pectin, lignin and cellulose. The cellulose crystallinity index was found to be 67.99%, 46.5% and 59.72% respectively. The fibres under study have the following chemical composition: an extractive content of 3.07%, 14.77% and 8.74%;a pectin content of 4.15%, 7.69% and 3.45%;a hemicellulose content of 4.90%, 15.33% and 7.42%;a cellulose content of 68.11%, 36.08% and 65.15%;a lignin content of 12.01%, 25.15% and 16.2%;and an ash content of 0.27%, 1.53% and 0.47% respectively. The thermal transitions observed on the thermograms correlate with the TAPPI chemical composition. It is observed that these fibres are thermally stable up to temperatures of 200°C, 220°C and 285°C. These results make it possible to envisage uses similar to those of sisal, hemp and flax fibres.